I began my gaming journey at about four years old. It didn’t start with PC but rather progressed from Console (Intellivision started things off) to PC – then back to console – then PC – then – well you get the picture. There are a variety of arguments as to why PC gaming is far superior to console gaming, but the main reason I love it is the experiences and enhancements I witness on gaming monitors. Now that I have experienced a massive reduction in response times and input lag, it is actually difficult for me to go back to a console. That being said, a decent gaming monitor can often cost a bit more than a 4K television nowadays. I did some digging into Acer’s Nitro XV272U KV to determine if the cost difference was worth it.
Design and features
This 2K (2560×1440) IPS monitor has a fairly no-frills design but remains feature-packed to enhance the overall user experience. The base is a circle, which takes up more desk space than I like – especially when compared to the V-shaped base of LG monitors. I would opt for a monitor mount over the standard setup for sure. I can adjust the height and change to a vertical view should I feel the need. It features a vast array of inputs including four USB 3.0 inputs, a Display Port input, and 2 HDMI 2.0 inputs. I didn’t use the speakers, however, they are included in the monitor as well.
Managing monitor settings is a pain on any monitor, but Acer did a good job with a small knob and three-button set up to help select the host of options in the settings. I can switch between a variety of preloaded settings, or customize the brightness and contrast to my liking.
When all is said and done, I found myself using HDR mode the most as I noticed a significant difference in brightness when compared to the sRGB modes. In fact, if there is anything to complain about on the Nitro, it is the overall brightness. sRGB was way too dim for me to even consider using. The HDR mode gave a giant boost to the brightness, and I will continue to keep the monitor in this mode to not go insane.
My LG monitor seems to have the opposite issue, the HDR mode is so dim that I can’t stand it. HDR wins the day for Acer and delivers beautiful colors and contrast – thankfully the monitor performs wonderfully with this setting.
The Acer Nitro XV272U KV is G-sync and Freesync compatible. If you haven’t tried a monitor with this capability in your GPU and monitor, you will want to. The reduction in lag and screen tearing makes gaming that much better.
Color Performance
I used to sell monitors on a daily basis, and only a handful of customers truly cared about color accuracy and performance on the monitor. Usually, these customers were photographers and artists who truly needed the most accurate color for their profession. In my personal experience, seeing inaccurate colors ruins movie and gaming sessions that are much better when my screen is not a semi-jaundiced yellow tint.
The Nitro does a fantastic job with color, and I give it top-notch results for its accuracy. I did notice some clouding occur in grey color testing, where the screen was not completely uniform. This was never noticeable during any games, but it was rather noticeable on a full grey still image. There is a decent range in viewing angles as well with minimal change in my tests. This makes gaming with a friend or watching movies on a shared monitor less annoying for sure.
Performance
Casual gamers using many televisions or looking to upgrade from a 1080p monitor will be thrilled to get their hands on a monitor like this. I can literally feel the difference in gameplay the moment I switch from an old Dell 1080p 60hz refresh rate, and it is HUGE. The Acer Nitro has a 170 Hz (overclocked) refresh rate and 1 ms response time, and, trust me, you will feel it. I didn’t believe the hype until I tried it myself, and I just can’t go back to any 60 Hz display. In fact, I’ve completely switched to PC gaming because of it.
When I attempted to go back to my 34ms input lag TV playing Rocket League, I felt like my car responded way too late when I would press buttons. While the TV is still 4K, I now enjoy 2K gaming on my PC much more. Don’t believe me? Check out this video for why you will want to switch as well (though if you have the money, some 4k monitors are catching up!).
Overall, I just can’t and won’t go back to 60Hz gaming. The difference in “smoothness” is just too noticeable, and the Acer Nitro monitor’s smoothness in gaming makes me want to play more than ever.
To buy or not to buy – That is the Question
The Acer Nitro XV272U KV is a great monitor. It offers a wide variety of options, inputs, features great color, and impeccable gaming with its low response time and great refresh rate. The biggest flaw is its lack of brightness. Granted, it performs really well and is “bright enough” in HDR mode. However – if you love a brilliant screen it may not be for you. If you are gaming on a monitor or display at 60 Hz there is no question. Buy this monitor or at least one like it. The difference is too good to pass up.
